James Packer's ex-wife Erica and MasterChef star Shannon Bennett call it quits after 18 months of dating: 'Was always going to be a challenge'
Erica Packer and Shannon Bennett have split after 18 months together.
The former singer, 47, and celebrity chef, 49, are said to have parted ways earlier this year, with friends revealing that distance was a big factor in their breakup, according to news.com.au.
Erica, who is the ex-wife of billionaire James Packer, currently resides in London after relocating with her three children to be near her sister.
However, occasional MasterChef judge Shannon lives in Belongil Beach near Byron Bay, with his business Culinary Wonderland being based in Sydney.
'The distance was always going to be a challenge for them,' a friend of the couple told the publication.
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Shannon had previously opened up about navigating their long-distance relationship.
He revealed last year that his girlfriend was doing a lot of travelling to make things work between them.
'She's really good. (Erica is) going back and forwards a lot,' he told the Herald Sun.
He went on: 'It's a fun and amazing adventure. It's amazing we haven't met earlier. We're loving life.
'I'm a very lucky man'.
In April last year, Sunday Confidential reported that the couple had bought a house together just months after they first went public as a couple.
The publication claimed the pair were 'going strong' and had decided to expand after living in Shannon's $2million beachfront property at Belongil Beach.
Between them, the lovebirds share nine children, with Shannon sharing Phoenix, Hendrix, Xascha, Xanthe, Xahlia and Margaux with ex partner Madeleine West.
Meanwhile, Erica co- parents children Indigo, Jackson and Emmanuelle with ex-husband James.
Shannon and Erica were first spotted out and about together in 2023 over the Christmas holidays.
Erica married former husband James in 2007 and they later split in 2013, but are on good terms as they co- parent their three children.
Erica reportedly received a $100 million divorce payment, and purchased a family home in Los Angeles shortly after the break-up.
In contrast, Shannon's relationship with ex-partner Madeleine West is not as amicable.
Shannon, who rose to fame on MasterChef Australia, split from Madeleine in September 2018 after 13 years of dating.
Madeleine later stated the separation process 'turned love toxic'.
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